Sinkinson ready for his Wales comeback

New Zealander Brett Sinkinson has more reason than most to celebrate running out in a Welsh jersey against Ireland at Cardiff tomorrow in the Six Nations Championship.

Eighteen months ago, Sinkinson was a very public victim of the "Grannygate" investigation that highlighted a number of bogus international rugby qualifications.

Born in Rotorua, Sinkinson joined Neath from Bay of Plenty with what was supposed to be a grandfather from Carmarthen.

But Sydney Sinkinson, a slaughterman, turned out to have come from Oldham, which meant a 15-month wait to really qualify to play. Sinkinson will make his 16th Wales appearance tomorrow after serving his time and said: "I feel like I am about to earn my first cap and I'm going to take it with both hands.

"I tried to put all the problems out of my mind after all that was said and written 18 months ago. The easy option would have been to go home, but I was contracted to Neath."

Wales have not won a home game against Ireland since Eddie Butler led them to a storming 23-9 victory at the old Arms Park in 1983.

Ireland coach Warren Gatland's side will show six changes from the team which lost 32-10 to Scotland at Murrayfield three weeks ago.

Outside-half David Humphreys has replaced Ronan O'Gara thanks to his one-man demolition of London Wasps in Ulster's Heineken Cup win last Saturday.

If Wales win they are guaranteed second place in the championship behind England.

Tomorrow's game, rearranged after the foot-and-mouth crisis caused a March postponement, kicks off at 3pm. The original fixture had a scheduled 4pm start, which is printed on tickets that are still valid.

Meanwhile, London Wasps go in search of a much-needed win against London Irish at Loftus Road on Sunday (kick-off 1.30pm) with scrum-half Martyn Wood back from injury. However No8 Peter Scrivener has suffered a setback in his recovery from a knee injury and may need another operation.

There are 12 changes to the Irish side which defeated Italian side L'Aquila in the Parker Pen Shield with Hentie Martens, who joined the club last month, on the bench for the first time.

Harlequins are off to Gloucester without Ireland hooker Keith Wood, which leaves Jonny Roddam and Tani Fuga fighting it out for the starting place.

Saracens travel to Leeds on Sunday after having just announced a lucrative six-fixture deal with new main sponsors Unibond.